News Release

For Immediate Release 
Contact: Marla McIntyre 
202-686-7463; mmcintyre@sio.org

FREE PUBLICATIONS EXPLAIN SURETY BONDING PROCESS AND PROGRAMS FOR CONTRACTORS 

JULY 16, 2003, WASHINGTON, DC – The Surety Information Office (SIO) announces the release of two publications especially for contractors: How to Obtain Surety Bonds and SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program. These free informational guides provide timely, detailed information on the surety bonding process and programs available to small and emerging contractors.

While How to Obtain Surety Bonds was designed specifically for contractors and subcontractors, this booklet is ideal for anyone interested in gaining an understanding of the bonding process. This 12-page, full-color brochure explains:

• The basics of surety bonds; 

• The bonding process; 

• Qualities of a professional surety bond producer; 

• The prequalification process; 

• The value of a surety relationship; and 

• Benefits of bonding, among other topics. 

The SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program brochure summarizes the U.S. Small Business Administration’s program, which helps small and emerging contactors obtain bonds. This publication examines:

• Program eligibility; 

• Prior Approval Program; 

• Preferred Surety Bonds Program; and 

• The necessary application forms and documents. 

Free copies of How to Obtain Surety Bond and SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program, along with SIO’s other materials may be ordered online at www.sio.org or by contacting SIO at 202-686-7463; sio@sio.org.

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SIO was formed in 1993 to disseminate information about the benefits of contract surety bonding in private and public construction. Located in Washington, DC, SIO is supported by the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) [surety agents and brokers] and The Surety Association of America (SAA) [surety companies]. Surety bonding is a careful, rigorous, and professional process in which surety companies prequalify contractors and then assure project owners that these contractors are capable of performing the contract and will pay certain subcontractors and suppliers associated with the project.